We’re here to help you navigate these unchartered waters — including what to do to avoid racking up student loans.

How to Avoid Racking Up Student Loan Debt Due to the Coronavirus

Whether your college is closing its campus or you need to quarantine yourself, here’s how you can avoid taking on extra student loan debt.

An important note: If you need to reach your school, you may need to try multiple avenues. Remote-working staff may be able to assist, but expect longer waits if you’re calling the financial aid office, for instance.

Alternatively, your school’s official social media sites might provide more immediate guidance for how to contact specific offices or departments.

If Your College Campus Closes

Beyond the take-home tests and online classes, there’s the real cost associated with planning to live in one place and then being told to go away.

Some colleges are offering at least temporary shelter in dorms, but you’ll need to reach out to your college’s housing services to let them know your situation.

If you’re displaced because of your college’s closing, you may need someplace to store all your stuff — U-Haul is offering a free month of self-storage at U-Haul owned and operated facilities. You must be a new customer, but you only need to show your college ID to get the deal.

Pro Tip

If you have a Federal Work-Study job, your school may let you to work remotely or pay you for scheduled hours if you can’t make it in due to coronavirus-related disruptions, according to the DOE.

Some hotels — the ones that have remained open — are also offering discounts to students who need a place to stay before booking arrangements to get back home.

The Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago, for instance, is offering a discounted rate of $99/night plus taxes and fees for displaced college students, according to Laura Langemo, senior specialist, public relations for Radisson Americas. The rate is available through April 30 and you’ll need to show your college ID at check-in.

Hotels near your college may be offering deals to make up for their own cancellations, but call ahead to confirm.

If You Can’t Attend Class

If you can’t get back to school because you’re under quarantine, the Department of Education’s financial aid website recommends that you reach out to your school’s financial aid office and academic adviser.